Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has claimed that he and President William Ruto had a mutual understanding not to involve Raila Odinga in their government. During a recent interview, Gachagua shared that this agreement was based on their belief that allowing the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leader into the administration would cause further instability and hinder the country’s progress.
Gachagua disclosed that he was initially persuaded by Ruto to distance himself from former President Uhuru Kenyatta, who had endorsed Raila for the presidency in 2022. According to Gachagua, Ruto argued that Raila was responsible for many of the challenges faced by the previous administration and warned that his leadership would be detrimental to the country’s future. As a result, Gachagua and other leaders from Central Kenya threw their support behind Ruto, solidifying their alliance.
However, Gachagua now expresses regret over this decision, especially after Ruto seemingly changed his stance. He voiced his frustrations over Ruto’s recent decision to engage Raila in discussions, a move that Gachagua interprets as a betrayal of their original pact. This shift in Ruto’s approach came after the intense Gen Z protests, which posed a significant threat to the government’s stability. In response to these protests, Ruto sought a political truce with Raila, a decision that caught Gachagua off guard.
Despite his initial resistance, Gachagua admitted that he eventually chose to step back and accept Ruto’s decision. “He is the boss,” Gachagua stated, acknowledging that Ruto’s word ultimately carries the day in their partnership. He emphasized that his role is to support the President, even if it means compromising on their earlier agreement.
In a candid moment, Gachagua revealed that he had approached Ruto regarding the growing calls for his impeachment. According to the Deputy President, Ruto assured him that he had no involvement in the plot. Nevertheless, Gachagua urged the President to rein in his allies, who have been publicly criticizing him, warning that their actions could undermine the unity of the government.
As the political dynamics continue to evolve, Gachagua’s revelations shed light on the complex and often precarious relationships within Kenya’s leadership.
By Newshub